Gantt Chart In Construction

Created by Peter Birkholm, February 2022

The Gantt chart is a type of work scheduling tool in which processes are visualised. It is based on the Harmonygraph, which was developed by Karol Adamiecki at the end of the 19th century. The American engineer Henry Gantt was the one who successfully introduced the method to a wider audience and thus became the namesake for the method. The Gantt chart has been used in many well-known construction projects after its conception, for example, Hoover damn and the Interstate Highway System.

Gantt charts are frequently used for construction projects to illustrate tasks along a timeline. They are effective for several reasons, though primarily due to their capability in showing a wide array of relevant project data in a simple fashion. At its core, the Gantt chart is built around illustration of tasks that are to be completed along a timeline. Each task is represented by a bar, with the location and length indicating start dates and durations. Furthermore, these tasks can have their dependencies illustrated through connecting lines. Being able to illustrate each type of dependency associated with a task (Finish to start, Start to Start etc.) means that the tool can also be used to assess feasibility of, as well as attempt to optimise, workflows before the start of a project. After the construction project is underway, the Gantt chart can be used to track milestones and assess whether timelines are being followed.

There are a myriad of advantages and disadvantages to utilising Gantt charts for construction projects. A key benefit is the visualising of dependencies – as construction tends to be ordinal in nature. One disadvantage that is commonly seen is the Gantt chart becoming less usable as the size and scope of the construction project increases.